The AEI Homestay Program places AEI Intensive English students* in the homes of local families. This gives you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the English language as well as U.S. culture and family life. Your host family can provide excellent support for you and help you adjust to life in Oregon while sharing your country's culture with the family.
When you are placed with an AEI homestay family, you can be comfortable knowing that AEI host families are pre-screened, agree to the terms and conditions of our program, and pass a background check. Families undergo an in-home interview, orientation, and get ongoing support from the AEI homestay staff.
*Matriculated UO-degree-seeking students are not eligible for this program.
Online Application
- Complete the online Homestay Application form to request a homestay experience.
- Before applying, check application deadlines.
- A nonrefundable application fee of $150-$200 (depending on exchange program) is required for placement. This fee is added to the UO Student Billing Account.
Apply to Live with a Host Family
Living with a Host Family
It is considered a privilege to live as a member of an AEI host family. We hope you will become an active member of your host family! You will be expected to act independently and responsibly. You may also be expected to help with common minor family tasks.
You get to participate in family life by eating with your family, having conversations with them, and doing things together. You will have your own private bedroom, and taking care of it will be your responsibility. Your family will help you learn many things like riding the bus and taking care of your laundry. You can ask your host family if they have anything special that you need to know about living in the home. Many AEI students find that they remain close to their families long after their homestay is over.
Types of Local U.S. Families
What is a local U.S. family like? There is no one "typical" U.S. family. They are very diverse. They have different family traditions and customs. They are from many different racial and ethnic groups. Their religious beliefs are not all the same. Some students are surprised because U.S. families are so different from each other.
Some families are...
- Single women, with or without children.
- Older couples whose children are grown.
- Couples with small children or with no children.
Most families...
- Live less than 60 minutes from the campus by bus, walking, or bike.
- Do not permit smoking in their homes.
Many families...
- Have dogs and/or cats as pets.
Cost and Length of Stay
How much does it cost? Homestay costs $825/month
- You pay your host family directly on the first of each month.
- You do not pay for the entire term when you arrive.
- You pay $28/day for a partial month (such as the month you arrive and when you move out).
Your host family will provide...
- An six evening meals and food for breakfast during the week, plus all meals on weekends.
- A private bedroom furnished with a bed, dresser, lamp and desk.
- Sheets, blankets and towels.
- Internet access
How long will I live with my host family?
How long will I live with my host family? Students agree to live with their host families for at least one full term. Many students stay for their entire time at AEI and even after they start at the UO. If there are any concerns, the Homestay Program Coordinator will help you find a solution. If you decide to move out before the end of the term, you may be required to pay a cancelation fee to the family of $300.
Placement Notification
When will AEI tell me about my host family? About 3 to 4 weeks before the term begins, the Homestay Program Coordinator will send you the name, address, and telephone number of your host family.
Arriving in Eugene
Your host family will expect you to arrive during the week before orientation. Your host family will meet you at the Eugene Airport (EUG). They cannot pick you up in any other town. Please send them your flight arrival information as early as possible.
Muslim Students - Our host families understand that they should not serve you any kind of pork or alcohol. However, our host families are not required to provide or cook Halal meat.